Calls for Enhanced Credit Linkage and Mass Awareness
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana in Jammu and Kashmir, with a special focus on expanding credit linkage for registered beneficiaries.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C) Vikramjit Singh; Secretary, Labour & Employment Kumar Rajeev Ranjan; Executive Director, J&K Bank; Directors of I&C Jammu and Kashmir; and other senior officials.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to bring at least 70,000–80,000 beneficiaries under credit linkage with financial institutions to enable them to grow their enterprises on commercial lines. He directed concerned departments and banks to work in close coordination to ensure smooth loan sanctions and timely disbursements.
Highlighting the importance of outreach, the Chief Secretary instructed officers to launch a mass awareness campaign across all regions of the UT, educating artisans and craftspeople about the full benefits of the scheme. He noted that Common Service Centres (CSCs) at the block level should be utilized to conduct orientation programs for toolkit recipients, ensuring they are fully aware of the scheme’s potential to help them become successful entrepreneurs.
Stressing that distribution of toolkits and training alone was insufficient, he called for continuous handholding and motivation of beneficiaries. He also suggested showcasing local success stories to inspire artisans to establish viable businesses and generate employment for others.
Presenting the scheme’s progress, Commissioner Secretary I&C Vikramjit Singh stated that J&K ranks first among Union Territories and ninth overall among all States/UTs, with 1,54,881 successful registrations. He added that the UT achieved eighth place nationally, with 1,42,175 toolkits selected and 64,936 delivered, equipping artisans with modern tools to enhance their trades.
Regarding skill development, Secretary L&E Kumar Rajeev Ranjan said the UT ranks seventh nationally, with 1,32,571 skill trainings completed, reflecting a robust skill development ecosystem.
On credit linkage, the meeting was informed that J&K ranks 11th nationally in loan sanctions, with 13,787 cases approved and 8,867 disbursed, injecting over Rs 83 crore into artisan enterprises.
While lauding these achievements, the Chief Secretary reiterated the need to strengthen credit penetration further and ensure artisans transition into self-sustaining entrepreneurs.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a flagship Central Sector Scheme offering end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople across 18 traditional trades. It provides recognition through a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card, skill upgradation, a toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, and collateral-free credit support of up to Rs 3 lakh to facilitate enterprise establishment and growth.
